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The Garden City Park Fire Department and its Junior Firefighter Program work in cooperation to Educate, Protect and Serve the youth of Garden City Park and surrounding communities. The current program was started in 2007 by a handful of dedicated volunteer firefighters who wanted to engage the youth of the community. Spearheaded by former Chief Jim Roth and Firefighter Jim Salim, it came to fruition in October of 2007 when the first meeting of the Junior Firefighters occurred. There were seven original members of which three are currently active members of the Department. Boys and Girls are eligible to join if they are between the ages of 14-17 and can call (516) 741-2718 if interested

The following statements are upheld by the Garden City Park Fire Department Junior Firefighters.

MISSION STATEMENT

To maintain a safe environment for youth to gather within the community to learn about many aspects of the fire service and to provide avenues for positive social interaction for youth within the program, and for youth within the community

VISION

We will be a model for fire departments with Junior Firefighter youth programs to introduce the young community to the fire service and to provide a safe environment for social activities for youth within our community.

CORE VALUES

Recognizing the dedication and skill and value of all members, we will create and maintain an environment of individual safety, well-being and trust.  We are guided by: 

Service to Others, Team Work, Compassion, Integrity, Safety, Honesty, Accountability, Professionalism and Respect.

COMMITMENT TO THE COMMUNITY

The members of the Garden City Park Volunteer Fire Department Junior Firefighter Program demonstrate commitment to our community through:

- Providing an opportunity for youth to serve the community.

- Respectful and courteous treatment of all people.

- Accountability for our actions.

- Open honest communications.

- Educating peers about fire safety and prevention.

- Providing a safe environment for youth activity within the community.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 

Q:  What activities do you have in this program?                                                     

A:  We hold trainings, social activities such as fundraising events, public service projects, and other things that a firefighter does except for fighting fires.

Q:  Do we get to participate in parades?                                                                     

A: Yes.  Parades are usually held in the summer months.  The Junior members will typically march along with the Department. Juniors MUST have a uniform issued to them before they are able to participate in a parade.    

Q: How will I find out about different events taking place?                                          

A: Events are announced at trainings, meetings, e-mails and in calendars.  In addition, you may be contacted by one of the advisors. (Especially if there is a change or short notice.)                                                                                

Q:  When can I start fighting fires and perform emergency medical services?

A:  On your 18^th birthday you are eligible to apply to the active department (with parental consent).  At that time, you may begin the required formal training to be certified as a Firefighter and/or Emergency Medical Technician (EMT).  The Juniors have an advantage in that the program makes them familiar with many of the tools, techniques, and safety issues required for Firefighting and Emergency Medical Services (EMS).

Q:  Can I participate in the Junior Program after my 18^th birthday?

A:  After your 18^th birthday, you must apply to the Active Department as a member in order to participate.  Upon acceptance into the Active Department, you must resign as a Junior Member.  However, former Junior members are strongly encouraged to continue to help with the Junior Firefighter Program.         

 Q:  Do I have to participate in trainings and other events?

A:  YES!  The goals of the Junior program cannot be met for an individual who does not participate in the trainings or other events.  A lack of participation may result in the loss of certain privileges and/or the ability to participate in certain activities.  Individuals who regularly do not participate in the Junior activities without notifying an Advisor may be dropped from the program.

Upcoming Events:

Pancake Breakfast

Sponsored by the Garden City Park FD Junior Firefighters

Sunday December 4, 2011

8:30 AM – 12:30 PM

GCP Fire Headquarters 2264 Jericho Tpke

Garden City Park, NY

Pancakes w/ maple syrup, sausage, bacon,

juice, milk, coffee, tea

Donations to benefit the GCPFD Junior Firefighters

$6 per adult / Child $4

Meetings and Trainings 

Meetings are held on the 1st Monday of every month at 1930 hours at HQ unless otherwise stated.   

Meetings are generally conducted by the Junior Officers or an Advisor.  They are generally informational and Junior Program business is discussed and may be voted on.  New members may also be voted into the Junior Firefighter Program at these meetings.

Trainings are held on the 3^rd Monday of every at 1930 hours at HQ unless otherwise stated.   

The training program for the Junior Firefighters is structured to introduce Junior members to the fire service.  Junior members that join the regular department are at an advantage since the Junior Program introduces them to the tools and skills that are used in firefighting and Emergency Medical Services (EMS).  During training, you will learn about firefighting, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), the use of tools, and related skills.  You will also learn how to work as a team and HAVE FUN!

Quite often the training will include some physical or hands on activity and/or lesson.  At times, an educational field trip may be substituted for the regularly scheduled training.